MIL-OSI UK: Rolls-Royce and UK Space Agency launch first ever study into nuclear-powered space exploration foreignaffairs.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from foreignaffairs.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
This new research contract will see planetary scientists work together to explore the game-changing potential of nuclear power as a more plentiful source.
British aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce has formed an unlikely alliance with the UK Space Agency to develop nuclear-powered spacecraft engines.
The collaboration will see the two organisations working together to explore the potential of nuclear power as a source of energy for future expeditions into deep space.
If successful, a nuclear spacecraft could cut the journey time to Mars to just three to four months - roughly half the time possible using current chemical engines.
What s more, the reduced journey times would mean astronauts on board the spacecraft are exposed to less radiation during the flight, making future trips to Mars or other planets safer.